SunPower Corp., a provider of solar technology and energy services, claims to be working with Baltimore County, Md., To cover two closed landfills with solar systems.
The projects are expected to generate more than 30 MW, which is the equivalent of electricity consumed by a third of the county's urban buildings, including government facilities.
"Saving electricity from solar energy can help communities invest more money in our schools, parks and community centers," said Eric Potts, executive vice president of Commercial Americas at SunPower. "We applaud Baltimore County for transforming otherwise unused land into productive solar farms that will enable them to meet their ambitious sustainability goals while significantly improving the county's budget."
The Hernwood and Parkton Closed Landfill projects are the first major solar energy projects in Baltimore County's history and mark another new milestone for the county in fighting climate change. Under Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), the county pays no up-front costs, while SunPower and its financiers pay for the arrays. For the next 25 years, the county will pay a fixed flat rate per kWh of solar energy that is expected to save millions of dollars in electricity bills. According to the Maryland "Aggregate Net Metering" rule, Baltimore Gas & Electric counts solar energy generated in the landfills towards electrical loads in other district buildings.
The projects are now entering the design and approval phase. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2022 and be fully functional by 2023.
For more information on SunPower's commitment to promoting clean energy, please visit here.
Photo: Eric Potts
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